Evidence of rats have been found during a recent inspection at Howard Middle School in Orange County.

Department of Health responded Tuesday to a complaint about possible rats in the ceilings and upon further investigation, found evidence of droppings throughout the school.

Orange County Public Schools officials insist they do not have a rat infestation, adding that the school received the highest satisfactory rating during its health inspection Feb. 18.

But less than one month later, a surprise health inspection revealed an unsatisfactory rating. Inspectors observed mice droppings in the ceiling above a bathroom and the kitchen.

"I was talking with my son about it, and I said you probably shouldn't eat lunch at school anymore," said Francisca Neto, a parent.

"I have my son in there," parent Jose Lopez said. "I don't want him to get sick."

"The school is taking the proper corrective action after the Department of Health did another check on Tuesday, March 3," the school district said. "The school is utilizing the services of the district's contracted pest control service to assist with that corrective action."

Randy Foster, a grandparent, added: "I'm disappointed, but I'm not surprised. It is an old school, and we live in Florida."

While health inspectors did not find any live rats or nests, traps have been placed around the school. The report also noted small holes in dry storage areas near pipes in the kitchen. The school is now required to seal those holes to prevent any future access by vermin.

"They need to take care of the problem," Lopez said.

According to the Department of Health, the school has never had a reported problem with rodents and they were not aware of any issue until receiving a complaint from someone not associated with the school.

News 13 also asked health officials about other unsatisfactory schools within the county. The Department of Health said there are three random health inspections done in kitchens each year, and no other schools have reported rodent problems.

"Counting the last inspections from all Orange County schools, out of 371 schools eight failed," the Department of Health said. "The reasons for failing vary from improper shower temperatures to electrical issues."

For now, Howard Middle School is taking action to clean up the droppings and increase pest control. Health inspectors will return to the school Thursday for a follow-up inspection.